Cool or lukewarm water is the best first aid for burns. It can still work up to 3 hours after the burn happens.
The key steps for burns first aid are:
- Remove clothing, nappies and jewellery
- Cool the burn for at least 20 minutes with cool or lukewarm (not cold) running water
- Cover the cooled burn with loose cling film, a plastic bag or a clean non-fluffy cloth. Don’t cover the face
- Put nothing else on the burn as this will stop it healing
- Give painkillers
- Get medical advice for a burn bigger than a 50p coin.
Remember to cool the burn not the person. Keep the rest of your child warm while you cool the burn.
